Discover one of the most sought-after Tanzania safaris as you follow vast herds across the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Each year, over two million plains zebra, Thomson’s gazelle and blue wildebeest sweep north in search of fresh grass and secure calving areas. While rain patterns guide their route, good timing can reward you with this natural wildlife spectacle. This private safari in Tanzania also includes game viewing in other iconic parks, with mid-range to luxury tented camps and lodges available year-round.
Itinerary Overview
| Day | Route | Main Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arusha → Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) | Afternoon game drive in Ndutu region |
| 2 | Ndutu → Central Serengeti | Full-day migration game drives |
| 3 | Central Serengeti | All-day wildlife viewing across open plains |
| 4 | Central Serengeti → Ngorongoro Crater | Morning drive, then transfer to crater rim |
| 5 | Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha | Early-morning crater floor drive, return to Arusha |
Day 1: Arusha to Ndutu
After breakfast at your Arusha hotel (or upon arrival at Kilimanjaro/Arusha airport), meet your guide for a short briefing. You’ll board a light aircraft to Ndutu, within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s southern Serengeti zone. Once you’ve settled into Ndutu Safari Lodge, head out for an afternoon drive across short-grass plains—prime calving grounds between December and April. Here you may see herds of eland, waterbuck, buffalo and elephants browsing alongside resident predators. Return at dusk for dinner and overnight. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Following the Migration to Central Serengeti
Enjoy an early morning meal, then depart with a packed lunch for a full-day safari in search of the migrating herds. During the peak season, calving grounds teem with newborn wildebeest, while lions, hyenas, cheetahs and jackals trail the herds. After a bush picnic under acacia trees, continue north into central Serengeti National Park. Sunset returns you to Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge for dinner and rest. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Extensive Plains Game Drive
Spend the day traversing the “endless plains” of central Serengeti (14 763 km²). Look out for lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants and black rhinos—the Big Five in a different sequence—and graceful impala near rocky kopjes that dot the grassland. Picnic lunch in the bush, followed by afternoon wildlife viewing until evening. Overnight at Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater Rim
After a dawn game drive and breakfast, enjoy a final picnic in the park before driving the scenic 75 km to Ngorongoro Crater rim (approx. 2.5 hours). You may spot giraffes, warthogs or hornbills along the route. Arrive at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge in time for dinner, with sweeping views over the caldera. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Crater Floor Drive & Return to Arusha
Rise early for a 06:30 descent into the 260 km² crater floor—home to abundant elephant, buffalo, hippo, hyena and lion around the hippo pool. After a five-hour drive and picnic lunch in the caldera, climb back up and journey to Arusha, arriving by early evening for drop-off at your hotel or airport. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Inclusions
- All park and conservation fees (non-residents)
- Professional driver-guide in a pop-roof 4×4 Land Cruiser
- Daily game drives and crater tour
- Accommodation (unless listed as upgrade)
- Meals as specified
- Bottled water throughout
- Taxes/VAT
Exclusions
- Flights and airport transfers (unless arranged)
- Pre- and post-safari lodging (unless arranged)
- Visa fees, travel insurance, personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Optional extras: Maasai village visit (USD 20 pp), Serengeti balloon flight (USD 550 pp)
This Tanzania tour package blends Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro holidays and the Great Migration into one comprehensive wildlife journey.
